I received this email from a good old friend of mine recently which sparked a dialogue between us. I have asked his permission to post portions of it here.
FRIEND:
You’d be proud of me… I recently “had” to tell my parents that we are more in line with a Unitarian Universalist view these days than we are with a Christian one. That went over like a Led Zeppelin. But, we will sit down with them soon and see what questions they have the talk it over.
I know you remain Christian but I also know that you really personally feel connected to God through your faith, and that’s cool. My parents do too, I’m sure. But what gets me is when someone feels like their religion is the only way that this is possible. I have a feeling that is the position my parents are going to adhere to, and if so, I’m not really sure how much of a discussion we can even have.
I think they should be happy that we are still interested in God at all (how many ex-evangelical people are out there?) and even more want to raise our kids to be spiritual, loving, people of peace.
Anyway, I have been thinking of you off and on in this whole journey and thought I’d send a quick update.
MY REPLY:
Well… I can’t say I’m surprised… but I am… I guess. I don’t really know what to say. I have lots of thoughts jostling for position in my head, but none of them really seem significant as words.
I guess my only thing is this. I believe the Jesus Event to be the pivotal moment of history. And I believe that wherever you search for him, you will find him (regardless of your religious orientation). And even if you are not searching for him, he may just find you. My hope is that you will never stop searching, never stop seeking the truth.
I’m open to dialoging further if you’d like, but that’s your call.
Thanks for thinking of me. My thoughts and prayers are with you as well.
